Proteas must counter Gayle force

Gayle dished out some brutal punishment to the Proteas attack in Cape Town on Friday, smashing the fastest half-century by a West Indian in a T20 international as the tourists won by four wickets.

The powerful left-hander made 77 from only 31 balls, including 51 from an 11-ball whirlwind, as the Windies chased down their victory target of 166 with four balls to spare in the opening game of the three-match series.

Rilee Rossouw had top-scored with 51 not out as South Africa made 165-4, but Gayle - who missed the recent Test series due to hamstring and back injury - set about putting the tourists on course for victory.

A mid-order collapse was unable to deny Darren Sammy's side victory and Gayle is eager to build momentum with another victory in the second T20 at The Wanderers on Sunday in order to build momentum ahead of the Cricket World Cup - which starts next month.

He said: "With the World Cup right around the corner, you need momentum leading up to the World Cup.

"I know its T20 but there are five important ODIs against South Africa and if we can actually gain a lot of momentum going up the World Cup, it will give us more confidence.

"It will be important for us to cash in on this ODI series. We lost the Test series 2-0 and to actually get off to a good start in the [T20] series [is a good thing].

"Hopefully we can build on this momentum and go forward. What would actually be better for us is if we win this T20 series which would give us a boost going into the ODIs.

"We're looking forward to it and I know the guys are happy to get a win here in South Africa."

Gayle has fond memories of batting in the shortest form of the game at The Wanderers, having bludgeoned 117 from only 57 balls in the first game of the inaugural World T20.

Spinner Imran Tahir could hold the key for the Proteas, having taken 3-28 in an impressive spell at Newlands.

Kagiso Rabada's place could be under threat after he failed to claim a wicket and went for 38 from his four overs.